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Tuesday, October 25, 2011

My Circle Skirt Article (with Giveaway!)

Readers, I'm so excited! I wrote an article for Quick Stuff to Sew, and it's on newsstands now. It's a publication from the editors of Threads. (You may know that I'm obsessed with Threads magazine, so this feels like a brush with greatness for yours truly.) I'm giving away a copy; read to the end for details.

An editor approached me early in the year, saying they were looking for an article on drafting and sewing circle skirts. Would I be interested in writing something like that? Um, yeah! I love making circle skirts, and here was an opportunity to do a tutorial that would be professionally illustrated, photographed, and edited. I was all over it, readers.

Circle skirts aren't hard at all, but they take a little bit of math to draft the pattern. I'm really proud of the instructions in this article--in fact, I've gone back to refer to them myself a couple times!

There are two skirt examples in the article. One is knee-length red taffeta with a sparkly button closure at the waist. The second is a tea-length variation with a layer of polka dot tulle over iridescent taffeta, with a simple bow sash. My friends at B&J provided the fabric, so it's the good stuff. If you ever want some of this amazing tulle, give them a call--they have it in a jillion colors.

I have the samples at home now, but they're so tiny that I just get to stare at them longingly rather than wear them. The models wore a 25" waist. I had several minor panic attacks while sewing, terrified that I'd made the skirts too small. They looked so miniscule! They'd barely fit on my old Cabbage Patch doll, Barney! But all was well; it turns out models really are that skinny.

You can order the issue online here, and I've seen it in the newsstand at Barnes & Noble. But I'm giving away a copy to one reader here! Just leave a comment (email address included, please, just so I can notify you if you win). I'll draw a name at the end of the day tomorrow. Readers from all locations eligible!

I live over seas so a magazine in English is a treat and I don't see many. Winning a copy would be WONDERFUL. I love your blog as I am getting back into dress making after many years of quilting. Thanks for the great blog!

Oh sign me up!Those are beautiful skirts. I love the overlay. any chance you can just take off the waist band and make the inner circle bigger for yourself? The tea length one should be long enough to do that.cathy2684 at gmail

Hi gertie, since this magazine is not available in the Netherlands: PICK ME PICK ME...! Look towards the East and see me jumping with my arms waving from the european mainland! Yes, that girl with the brown short hair! Anyway, love your blog and congrats on the article!

How cool! I would love to win this...If I don't I do believe that I will quickly be snatching this up at Barnes and Noble to make that circle skirt! Swoon! P.S. I love your class on craftsy.com! So informative! I've learned so much already! Thanks!

I love following your blog. You help me belive I can create bitchin vintage wears too. I would love to try a few circle skirts. check me outbestfamilycircus.blogspot.comTHanks againTori torirae.creighton@gmail.com

Congratultions that is awesome news! You are an amazing seamstress and many many many people can learn from you. On that note..... I would love to learn from you, by winning that issue! My name is Crystal and you can reach me at FancyMatter@live.com.

Oh yes I would love to win this magazine. If I don't I'll track it down and buy just to see your lovely article. I love making your gathered skirts and have three of them now and will love trying the circle skirt too!!

Circle skirts are my favorite item of clothing. I am going to try and learn how to sew them correctly and maybe this is the easiest way. Thank you for including the "foreign kids" as well. I don't have a barnes and noble here in Norway. :)

Congratulations Gertie! You are our rising star in the sewing world. I've subscribed to Threads (regular mag) since its start but I don't have the quick things to sew mag so please put me in the drawing.

I have not seen the magazine yet, but I am so happy for you. Your progress within this community of professional, inspirational, and amazing people is certainly something to be proud of. Bravo. And if I am lucky enough to receive the magazine, I would certainly be grateful as well.

The blue tulle is gorgeous! I f you ever have to get rid of that skirt i'd take it, it's my waist measurement (pretty sure my hips are way bigger than the models though!) Would love to get a copy of the magazine

Gertie! I've been dancing with your lovely blog and following your adventures incognito (I think) for a while. I have all the Threads Magazines on DVD. My favorite article each issue is the "Quick to Make". Thanks for all you do!!

Congrats on the article! I'd love to win a copy! I've also been thinking of you as I leave for "couture camp" with Susan Khalje and Kenneth King in NYC tomorrow. Hope I have as much fun as you did! email(at)brooksann(dot)com

oh my goodness. that's exactly how I felt when I was making things for friends who were much smaller than I am. And I always freak out if something looks too small. It looks great!! congrats on the article :)

I have have been invaded by sewing bug because of a young lady who came to work in my office. I love circle skirts and I intend to make one. Only thing is that since I last made one for myself I have gotten really big. I hope it turns out alright. Thanks Gertie.

A new magazine!!! I must say I haven't seen that one in the newsagents 'Down Under'. We really are a bit behind the eight ball when it comes to fashion and such. It would be great to have a peek at it before subscribing. And congrats. on having an article published in it...

This is great news Gertie! I would love to read the article and your insight to the skirt. i know you talked a little about it in you r sew retro course but more info is always better:) (I love threads also and have many older issues:) )

The skirts look fab! Im only new to sewing but would love to have a go at sewing one for myself. A copy of your article would sure help! BTW love, love, love your blog it is really helping me in my sewing endeavours :) Stacey. (staceylkennedy@gmail.com)

i have the same feeling abut waist measurements when i'm doing waistbands for my miss22 who at over 5' 10" has a 24" waist...secretly, between you and me, i could actually admit to waist/height ratio envy LOL

Gertie, who wouldn't love a copy the magazine when you've had even an iota of input??